Abstract:

A filler tube assembly is used with a fuel pump nozzle having a pressure
sensing port. The filler tube assembly includes a receiver having an
inner wall defining an aperture, which receives the pump nozzle. The
inner wall defines an orifice and a seal is coupled to the inner wall
about the orifice for defining a chamber between the inner wall, the
seal, and the fuel pump nozzle when the fuel pump nozzle is disposed in
the aperture. A vacuum tube has a coupled end in fluid communication with
the orifice and an open end in fluid communication with the fuel tank.
The receiver defines a rim for seating the fuel pump nozzle in the
aperture to align the pressure sensing port with the orifice. When fuel
covers the open end of the vacuum tube, a pressure change is transmitted
through the filler tube assembly to the pressure sensing port.

Claims:

1. A filler tube assembly for communicating fuel from a fuel pump nozzle
to a fuel tank with the fuel pump nozzle having a pressure sensing port,
said filler tube assembly comprising:a receiver having an inner wall
defining an aperture for receiving the fuel pump nozzle with said inner
wall defining an orifice extending through said inner wall transverse to
said aperture;a seal coupled to said inner wall about said orifice for
defining a chamber between said inner wall, said seal, and the fuel pump
nozzle; anda vacuum tube having a coupled end coupled to said receiver
and in fluid communication with said orifice and an open end for
disposition in fluid communication with the fuel tank;said receiver
defining a rim rigidly extending from said inner wall into said aperture
for seating the fuel pump nozzle in said aperture to dispose the pressure
sensing port in said chamber and to align the pressure sensing port with
said orifice.

2. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said aperture
extends along an axis and said rim extends annularly about said axis.

3. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rim
projects perpendicularly from said inner wall.

4. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rim and
said inner wall are integrally formed from a common material.

5. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver
is formed from metal and wherein said seal is formed from an elastomer.

6. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seal
includes a first seal and a second seal spaced from said first seal with
said first and second seals enclosing said orifice for defining the
chamber between said inner wall, said first and second seals, and the
fuel pump nozzle.

7. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said aperture
extends along an axis and wherein said first and second seals each extend
annularly about said axis.

8. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver
defines a nipple with said orifice extending from said inner wall through
said nipple and with said vacuum tube coupled to said nipple.

9. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver
defines a second orifice extending from said inner wall through said
receiver and wherein said seal encloses said second orifice and separates
said second orifice from said orifice for defining a second chamber in
communication with said second orifice between said inner wall, said
seal, and said fuel pump nozzle.

10. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 9 further including a
second vacuum tube including a second coupled end coupled to said
receiver in fluid communication with said second orifice and a second
open end for disposition in fluid communication with the fuel tank.

11. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said seal
includes a first seal and a second seal spaced from said first seal with
said first and second seals enclosing said orifice and a third seal
spaced from said second seal opposite said first seal with said second
and third seals enclosing said second orifice.

12. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said
aperture extends along an axis and wherein said first, second, and third
seals each extend annularly about said axis.

13. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said third
seal is disposed between said second seal and said rim and wherein said
first, second, and third seals each define an inner diameter and wherein
said inner diameter of said third seal is less than said inner diameter
of said first and second seals.

14. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said third
seal is disposed between said second seal and said rim and wherein said
receiver includes a variable positioning device disposed in said aperture
between said rim and said third seal for selectively aligning the
pressure sensing port along said axis.

15. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said
positioning device includes a resilient member resiliently compressible
between a first position and a second position for selectively adjusting
the alignment of the pressure sensing port along said axis between said
chamber and said second chamber.

16. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said
resilient member is further defined as a coil spring.

17. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a
fuel hose coupled to said receiver in alignment with said aperture for
coupling with the fuel tank to communicate fuel from said receiver to the
fuel tank.

18. The filler tube assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said vacuum
tube extends from said receiver into said fuel hose.

19. A fuel storage system for receiving fuel from a fuel pump nozzle
having a pressure sensing port, said fuel storage system comprising:a
fuel tank defining an interior for storing fuel;a vent tube including an
first end for communication with ambient atmosphere and a second end
coupled to said fuel tank and in fluid communication with said interior;
anda filler tube assembly coupled to said fuel tank for communicating
fuel from a fuel pump nozzle to said fuel tank, said filler tube assembly
comprising:a receiver having an inner wall defining an aperture for
receiving the fuel pump nozzle with said inner wall further defining an
orifice extending through said inner wall transverse to said aperture;a
seal coupled to said inner wall about said orifice for defining a chamber
between said inner wall, said seal, and the fuel pump nozzle; anda vacuum
tube having a coupled end coupled to said receiver and in fluid
communication with said orifice and an open end disposed in fluid
communication with said fuel tank;said receiver defining a rim rigidly
extending from said inner wall into said aperture for seating the fuel
pump nozzle in said aperture to dispose the pressure sensing port in said
chamber and to align the pressure sensing port with said orifice.

20. The fuel storage system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said rim
extends annularly about said axis.

21. The fuel storage system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said rim
projects perpendicularly from said inner wall.

22. The fuel storage system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said rim and
said inner wall are integrally formed from a common material.

23. The fuel storage system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said receiver
is formed from metal and wherein said seal is formed from an elastomer.

24. The fuel storage system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said seal
includes a first seal and a second seal spaced from said first seal with
said first and second seals enclosing said orifice for defining the
chamber between said inner wall, said first and second seals, and the
fuel pump nozzle.

25. The fuel storage system as set forth in claim 24 wherein said first
and second seals each extend annularly about said axis.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims
the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/616,521, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,757,729, filed Dec. 27, 2006, which claims the benefit of
Provisional Application No. 60/754,873 filed Dec. 29, 2005, both of which
are incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention is a filler tube assembly for communicating
fuel from a fuel pump nozzle to a fuel tank with the fuel pump nozzle
having a pressure sensing port.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]Fuel overflow during the fueling of boats is common and results in
fuel contamination of lakes, rivers, and other waterways. Federal law
prohibits spilling fuel into a lake, river, or waterway, and penalties
for violating such laws may be severe. Such fuel overflow has been
reduced by advancements in fuel pump nozzles, but such advancements have
not eliminated overflow and the resulting pollution of waterways.

[0006]Boats generally include a fuel tank and a filler tube assembly
extending from a surface of the boat to the fuel tank. The filler tube
assembly includes a receiver that receives a fuel pump nozzle. Standard
fuel pump nozzles generally have an automatic shut-off system. When
activated, the automatic shut-off system discontinues the flow of fuel
through the fuel pump nozzle. Specifically, the automatic shut-off system
responds to a pressure change at the pressure sensing port. The fuel pump
nozzle draws a vacuum through the pressure sensing port and when the
pressure sensing port is covered, e.g., with fuel, the automatic shut-off
system senses the change in pressure and discontinues the flow of fuel
through the fuel pump nozzle.

[0007]Generally, as the fuel tank is filled with fuel, the fuel level
rises to the top of the tank, into the filler tube assembly, and into the
receiver. When the fuel level covers the pressure sensing port on the
fuel pump nozzle, the pressure sensing port senses a pressure change
which activates the automatic shut-off system on the fuel pump nozzle.
Fuel flow is thereby terminated, thus preventing fuel overspill from the
fuel fill neck.

[0008]Fuel tanks on boats typically include a vent tube to dissipate
pressure increases in the fuel tank and to prevent vacuum when an engine
is drawing fuel from the fuel tank. The vent tube is generally in the
form of a tube connecting from the fuel tank to a side of the boat,
thereby allowing the fuel tank to remain at atmospheric pressure. In
today's boats, the height of the vent tube may be below the height of the
receiver fitting. Therefore, as the fuel tank is filled, and as the fuel
level rises to the top of the fuel tank into the filler tube assembly,
fuel also rises at a corresponding level in the vent tube. If the height
of the vent tube on the side of the boat is lower than the receiver, and
hence lower than the pressure sensing port, fuel evacuates through the
vent tube and onto the waterway surface before the fuel flow is
terminated by the automatic shut-off system on the fuel pump nozzle.

[0009]Fuel overflow also occurs when, upon filling the tank, the tank
belches, thereby expelling some fuel back through the receiver fitting.
Belching is generally caused by turbulent flow in the fuel fill neck.
Belching may also be caused by air that is trapped with the fuel as the
fuel enters the fuel fill neck. As a result the backpressure created by
the air restricts or eliminates fuel flow, generally at which point the
fill neck belches, or releases, the air through the receiver fitting,
which may result in fuel splashing out of the receiver fitting.

[0010]In addition, underground fuel reservoirs are generally at a
temperature substantially cooler than the temperature of the boat's fuel
tank and the fuel undergoes thermal expansion after it is pumped from the
cool reservoir to the warm fuel tank. Generally expansion continues after
the fuel tank is filled and the fuel fill receiver is capped, resulting
in excess fuel being expelled through the vent tube and onto the waterway
surface.

[0011]Accordingly, it would be desirable to manufacture a filler tube
assembly that activates the automatic shut-off system on the fuel pump
nozzle when the fuel reaches a predetermined level to prevent leakage of
fuel through the vent tube and to leave excess volume to accommodate for
thermal expansion of fuel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0012]The present invention is a filler tube assembly for communicating
fuel from a fuel pump nozzle to a fuel tank with the fuel pump nozzle
having a pressure sensing port. The filler tube assembly includes a
receiver having an inner wall defining an aperture for receiving the fuel
pump nozzle. The inner wall defines an orifice extending through the
inner wall transverse to the aperture. A seal is coupled to the inner
wall about the orifice for defining a chamber between the inner wall, the
seal, and the fuel pump nozzle. A vacuum tube has a coupled end coupled
to the receiver and in fluid communication with the orifice and an open
end for disposition in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The
receiver defines a rim rigidly extending from the inner wall into the
aperture for seating the fuel pump nozzle in the aperture to dispose the
pressure sensing port in the chamber and to align the pressure sensing
port with the orifice.

[0013]Accordingly, the operator of the fuel pump nozzle may seat the fuel
pump nozzle against the rim to assure that the pressure sensing port is
aligned with the orifice. Because the vacuum tube provides fluid
communication between the fuel tank and the orifice, a pressure change at
the open end of the vacuum tube is transmitted to the orifice. Further,
the pressure difference at the orifice is sensed by the fuel pump nozzle
through the pressure sensing port. As such, when the open end of the
vacuum tube is covered, e.g., with fuel, a pressure change at the open
end is transmitted through the vacuum tube to the orifice and to the
pressure sensing port of the fuel pump nozzle. The open end of the vacuum
tube may be located at a predetermined level to prevent leakage of fuel
through the vent tube and/or to leave excess volume to accommodate for
thermal expansion of fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the
following detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filler tube
assembly;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filler tube assembly in use
with a fuel storage system;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the boat with an embodiment of
the fuel storage system;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the boat with another embodiment
of the fuel storage system;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the filler tube
assembly in use with a fuel pump nozzle and a fuel tank;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the filler
tube assembly;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the filler
tube assembly in use with the fuel pump nozzle and the fuel tank;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the filler
tube assembly in use with the fuel pump nozzle and the fuel tank;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the fuel
storage system;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another filler tube assembly in
use with a fuel pump nozzle

[0026]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the filler tube
assembly including a control unit having a valve and an actuator;

[0027]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the filler tube assembly
including level sensor; and

[0028]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the filler tube
assembly including another embodiment of the valve and actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029]Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or
corresponding parts throughout the several views, a fuel storage system
11 is generally shown. The fuel storage system 11 receives fuel from a
fuel pump nozzle 28 having a pressure sensing port 42. For example, the
fuel pump nozzle 28 may be found in a standard fuel filling station and
may be coupled to a fuel pump 15. As is known in the art, the fuel pump
nozzle 28 includes an automatic shut-off system. When activated, the
automatic shut-off system discontinues the flow of fuel through the fuel
pump nozzle 28. Specifically, the automatic shut-off system responds to a
pressure change at the pressure sensing port 42. The fuel pump nozzle 28
draws a vacuum through the pressure sensing port 42 and when the pressure
sensing port 42 is covered, e.g., with fuel, the automatic shut-off
system senses the change in pressure and discontinues the flow of fuel
through the fuel pump nozzle 28.

[0030]The fuel storage system 11 is shown throughout the Figures in use
with a boat 10; however it should be appreciated that the fuel storage
system 11 is not limited to use in boats. For example, the fuel storage
system 11 may be used in vehicles such as marine craft, automobiles,
construction equipment, tractors, and spacecraft. The fuel storage system
11 may also be used with any type of machinery such as an electric
generator. Alternatively, the fuel storage system 11 may be used with
portable or stationary liquid storage devices, e.g., portable gasoline
tanks. It should also be appreciated that the fuel storage system 11 may
be used in a power boat as well as a sail boat.

[0031]As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel storage system 11 includes a fuel tank
22 and a filler tube assembly 12 coupled to the fuel tank 22. The filler
tube assembly 12 communicates fuel from a fuel pump nozzle 28 to the fuel
tank 22. In other words, fuel is pumped from the fuel pump nozzle 28
through the filler tube assembly 12 and into the fuel tank 22.
Specifically, the fuel tank 22 defines an interior 17 for storing fuel
and fuel is pumped through the filler tube assembly 12 and into the
interior 17 of the fuel tank 22.

[0032]As shown in FIG. 2, the boat 10 may include a deck fitting 19 that
is rigidly attached to a surface of the boat 10. In such an embodiment, a
fuel hose 13 extends between the deck fitting 19 and the fuel tank 22.
The receiver 18 is disposed within the deck fitting 19. The receiver 18
is integral with or an insert to the deck fitting 19. The receiver 18 may
be pivotable within the deck fitting to aid in the ease of insertion of
the fuel pump nozzle into the receiver 18. The receiver may be
manufactured from a flexible material to aid in the ease of insertion of
the fuel pump nozzle 28 into the receiver 18. It should be appreciated
that the receiver 18 and the deck fitting 19 may be sealed to one another
and the receiver 18 may be sealed to the fuel pump nozzle 28 when
disposed in the receiver 18 such that air may not exhaust through the
filler tube assembly 12 during fueling. Alternatively, the receiver 18
and the deck fitting 19 may be configured to allow for exhaust of air
through the filler tube assembly 12 during fueling.

[0033]As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the fuel tank 22 may include a vent tube 44
including a first end 45 for communication with ambient atmosphere and a
second end 46 coupled to the fuel tank 22. Specifically, the first end 45
is in fluid communication with the interior 17 of the fuel tank 22.

[0034]As shown in FIG. 2, the filler tube assembly 12 includes a receiver
18 having an inner wall 21 defining an aperture 24 for receiving the fuel
pump nozzle 28. The inner wall 21 defines an orifice 23 extending through
the inner wall 21 transverse to the aperture 24. The fuel hose 13 is
coupled to the receiver 18 in alignment with the aperture 24 for coupling
with the fuel tank 22 to communicate fuel from the receiver 18 to the
fuel tank 22. The aperture 24 of the receiver 18 may be sized, for
example, such that the receiver 18 may receive a fuel pump nozzle 28 that
pumps gasoline or is sized, for example, such that the receiver 18
receives a fuel pump nozzle 28 that pumps diesel fuel.

[0035]The filler tube assembly 12 includes a seal 29 coupled to the inner
wall 21 about the orifice 23 for defining a chamber 34 between the inner
wall 21, the seal 29, and the fuel pump nozzle 28. In other words, the
chamber 34 is aligned with the orifice 23 when the fuel pump nozzle 28 is
disposed in the aperture 24. Specifically, upon fueling, the receiver 18
receives the fuel pump nozzle 28. More specifically, the aperture 24
receives the fuel pump nozzle 28 and the fuel pump nozzle 28 abuts the
rim 26. When the fuel pump nozzle 28 is inserted in the receiver 18, the
seal 29 sealingly engages the fuel pump nozzle 28. The seal 29 creates an
air-tight seal with the fuel pump nozzle 28 thus creating the chamber 34.
Because the chamber 34 is aligned with the orifice and the seal 29
sealingly engages the fuel pump nozzle 28, fluid communication with the
chamber 34 is limited to fluid communication through the orifice 23. The
seal 29 is preferably made from conductive material such that static
electricity is discharged through the seal 29 to an electrical ground and
is preferably resistant to fuels and/or the seal is preferably self
lubricating. It should be appreciated that without departing from the
nature of the present invention, the seal 29 may have any configuration
such that the seal 29 is coupled to the inner wall 21 about the orifice
23.

[0036]The receiver 18 defines a rim 26 rigidly extending from the inner
wall 21 into the aperture 24 for seating the fuel pump nozzle 28 in the
aperture 24. Specifically, the rim 26 seats the fuel pump nozzle 28 in
the aperture 24 to dispose the pressure sensing port 42 in the chamber 34
and to align the pressure sensing port 42 with the orifice 23. In other
words, when the fuel pump nozzle 28 is seated on the rim 26, the pressure
sensing port 42 is aligned with the chamber 34 and is therefore aligned
with the orifice 23. The aperture 24 extends along an axis A and the rim
26 may extend annularly about the axis A and may project perpendicularly
from the inner wall 21. The rim 26 and the inner wall 21 may be
integrally formed from a common material. Alternatively, the rim 26 may
be formed separately from the inner wall 21 and subsequently coupled to
the inner wall 21. It should be appreciated that the rim 26 may have any
configuration that acts to seat the fuel pump nozzle 28 in the aperture
24. For example, the rim 26 may be a bar extending across the aperture
24.

[0037]As shown in FIG. 3, the filler tube assembly 12 includes a vacuum
tube 16 having a coupled end 25 coupled to the receiver 18 and in fluid
communication with the orifice 23 and an open end 27 disposed in fluid
communication with the fuel tank 22. In other words, the coupled end 25
of the vacuum tube 16 is coupled to the orifice 23 and the open end 27 of
the vacuum tube 16 is disposed at a predetermined vertical position. An
air path through the vacuum tube 16, orifice 23, and the chamber 34 is
unobstructed so a pressure change at the open end 27 of the vacuum tube
16 is communicated through the vacuum tube 16 and through the orifice 23
to the chamber 34.

[0038]Because the vacuum tube 16 is in fluid communication with the
orifice 23 and the fuel tank 22, a pressure change at the open end 27 of
the vacuum tube 16 is communicated through the vacuum tube 16 to the
chamber 34. Upon fueling, when the fuel level reaches the open end 27 of
the vacuum tube 16, a pressure change is created at the open end 27 of
the vacuum tube 16 which is transferred to the pressure sensing port 42
which in turn stops the fuel flow through the fuel pump nozzle 28.

[0039]For example, the receiver 18 defines a nipple 38 with the orifice 23
extending from the inner wall 21 through the nipple 38. The vacuum tube
16 is coupled to the nipple 38. The vacuum tube 16 is preferably self
clearing. In other words, the vacuum tube 16 should be sized such that
the surface tension of the fuel is not able to bridge across the vacuum
tube 16, rather fuel empties from the vacuum tube 16 by gravity.

[0040]As shown in FIG. 2, the seal 29 may include a first seal 30 and a
second seal 32 spaced from the first seal 30. In such a configuration,
the first and second seals 30, 32 enclose the orifice 23 for defining the
chamber 34 between the inner wall 21, the first and second seals 30, 32,
and the fuel pump nozzle 28. The first and second seals 30, 32 may each
extend annularly about the axis A. In other words, the first and second
seals 30, 32 may be referred to in the art as O-rings.

[0041]When the fuel pump nozzle 28 is inserted in the receiver 18, the
first and second seals 30, 32 seal around the fuel pump nozzle 28. When
fuel is pumped through the fuel pump nozzle 28, the fuel may not travel
past the second seal 32 and the fuel travels through the fuel hose 13
toward the fuel tank 22. Each seal 30, 32 may, for example, include a
rigid portion and a flexible portion. The rigid portion guides the fuel
pump nozzle 28 into the aperture 24 and the flexible portion seals around
the fuel pump nozzle 28. For example, the rigid portion may be a metal
and the flexible portion may be a rubber. The first and second seals 30,
32 each define an inner diameter D1, D2. The inner diameter D2 of the
second seal 32 may be less than the inner diameter D1 of the first seal
30. In such a configuration, additional force is required to insert the
fuel pump nozzle 28 past the first seal 30 such that the user may feel
when the fuel pump nozzle 28 is approaching the rim 26 to assure full
insertion of the nozzle 28 in the receiver 18. The first and second seals
30, 32 create an air-tight seal with the fuel pump nozzle 28 thus
creating the chamber 34.

[0042]The first and second seals 30, 32 are located such that when the
fuel pump nozzle 28 is inserted into the receiver 18, the pressure
sensing port 42 is located between the first and second seals 30, 32. The
pressure sensing port 42 is exposed to the pressure of the chamber 34 and
is therefore exposed to the pressure of the open end 27 of the vacuum
tube 16. Upon fueling, when the fuel level in the fuel tank 22 reaches
the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16, a pressure change is created at
the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16 which is transferred to the
pressure sensing port 42 which in turn stops the fuel flow through the
fuel pump nozzle 28.

[0043]As shown in FIG. 7, the receiver may include a guide seal 36. The
guide seal 36 may guide the fuel pump nozzle 28 into the aperture 24. It
should be appreciated that the receiver 18 may include any number of
guide seals and each guide seal may guide the fuel pump nozzle 28 through
the aperture 24.

[0044]In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance between each
seal is less than or equal to the distance between a tip of the fuel pump
nozzle 28 and the pressure sensing port 42 such that the pressure sensing
port 42 is always disposed within the chamber 34 between the seals 30,
32. In such an embodiment, the automatic shut-off system of the fuel pump
nozzle 28 is activated when the pressure sensing port 42 of the fuel pump
nozzle 28 is disposed on the guide seal 36 or on the first seal 30 or
when the pressure sensing port 42 is disposed between the guide seal 36
and the first seal 30. Because the automatic shut-off system is activated
when the pressure sensing port 42 is disposed on the guide seal 36 or on
the first seal 30 or when the pressure sensing port 42 is disposed
between the guide seal 36 and the first seal 30, fuel may only be pumped
from the fuel pump nozzle 28 if fuel pump nozzle 28 is properly engaged
with the receiver 18 such that the pressure sensing port 42 is disposed
between the first seal 30 and the second seal 32.

[0045]As shown in FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the receiver 18 defines a
second orifice 48 extending from the inner wall 21 through the receiver
18. The seal 29 encloses the second orifice 48 and separates the second
orifice 48 from the orifice 23 for defining the second chamber 50 in
communication with the second orifice 48 between the inner wall 21, the
seal 29, and the fuel pump nozzle 28. In other words, the second orifice
48 is aligned with the second chamber 50. In the embodiment including the
first and second seals 30, 32, the seal 29 may further include a third
seal 58 spaced from the second seal 32 opposite the first seal 30, as
shown in FIG. 8. The third seal 58 and the second seal 32 create the
second chamber 50. In such an embodiment, the first, second, and third
seals 30, 32, 58 may each extend annularly about the axis A. In other
words, each of the seals 30, 32, 58 may be referred to in the art as
O-rings and each of the seals 30, 32, 58 create an air-tight seal with
the fuel pump nozzle 28 thus creating the chamber 34 between the first
and second seals 30, 32, and creating the second chamber 50 between the
second and third seals 32, 58.

[0046]In such an embodiment, the filler tube assembly 12 includes a second
vacuum tube 52 including a second coupled end 54 coupled to the receiver
18 in fluid communication with the second orifice 48 and a second open
end 56 for disposition in fluid communication with the fuel tank 22. It
should be appreciated that, without departing from the nature of the
present invention, the seal 29 may have any configuration such that the
seal 29 encloses the second orifice 48 and separates the second orifice
48 from the orifice 23.

[0047]As shown in FIG. 8, the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16 is located
at a different location than the second open end 56 of the second vacuum
tube 52. For example, the open end 27 and the second open end 56 may be
disposed at different vertical levels. If the pressure sensing port 42 is
in fluid communication with the chamber 34, the automatic shut-off system
will be activated when the fuel level covers the open end 27. If the
pressure sensing port 42 is in fluid communication with the second
chamber 50, the automatic shut-off system will be activated when the fuel
level covers the second open end 56 of the second vacuum tube 52. As
such, a person operating the fuel pump nozzle 28 may select whether the
pressure sensing port 42 is in fluid communication with the chamber 34 or
the second chamber 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the open end 27
may be located such that the automatic shut-off system is activated when
the fuel tank 22 is full, thereby eliminating any room for thermal
expansion. The second open end 56 may be located such that the automatic
shut-off system is activated before the fuel tank 22 is full, thereby
leaving excess volume for thermal expansion. In such a configuration, the
person operating the fuel pump nozzle 28 may align the pressure sensing
port 42 with the chamber 34 when the fuel tank is being filled
immediately prior to fuel consumption in anticipation that the fuel will
be consumed before it thermally expands. The person operating the fuel
pump nozzle 28 may align the pressure sensing port 42 with the second
chamber 50 when immediate fuel consumption is not anticipated and
unfilled volume in the fuel tank 22 accommodates for thermal expansion of
the fuel.

[0048]In the embodiment including the first, second, and third seals 30,
32, 58, the second and third seals 32, 58 may enclose the second orifice
48. Specifically, the second orifice is defined in the inner wall between
the second and third seals 32, 58. In other words, the third seal 58 may
be disposed between the second seal 32 and the rim 26. In such an
embodiment, the operator of the fuel pump nozzle 28 may move the fuel
pump nozzle 28 to selectively align the pressure sensing port 42 between
the first and second seals 30, 32 or between the second and third seals
32, 58.

[0049]As shown in FIG. 8, the first, second, and third seals 30, 32, 58
may each define an inner diameter D1, D2, D3. The inner diameter D3 of
the third seal 58 may be less than the inner diameter D1, D2 of the first
and second seals 30, 32. In such a configuration, additional force is
required to insert the fuel pump nozzle 28 past the third seal 30 such
that the user may feel when the fuel pump nozzle 28 is approaching the
rim 26 to assure full insertion of the fuel pump nozzle 28 in the
receiver 18. Because the inner diameter D3 of the third seal 58 is less
than the inner diameters D1, D2 of the first and second seals, the
operator of the fuel pump nozzle 28 may feel the fuel pump nozzle 28
passing by the third seal 58 and may thereby align the pressure sensing
port 42 with the chamber 34 or the second chamber 50 by feeling from the
third seal 58 with the fuel pump nozzle 28.

[0050]Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, in the embodiment with the third
seal 58 disposed between the second seal 32 and the rim 26, the receiver
includes a variable positioning device 60 disposed in the aperture 24
between the rim 26 and the third seal 58 for selectively aligning the
pressure sensing port 42 along the axis A. For example, the variable
positioning device 60 includes a resilient member 62 resiliently
compressible between a first position and a second position for
selectively adjusting the alignment of the pressure sensing port 42 along
the axis A between the chamber 34 and the second chamber 50. The
resilient member 62 is further defined as a coil spring. The variable
positioning device 60 may also include a seat disposed on the resilient
member 62 to seat the fuel pump nozzle 28 on the variable positioning
device 60.

[0051]In such an embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the operator of the fuel
pump nozzle 28 inserts the fuel pump nozzle 28 into the aperture 24 and
the resilient member 62 aligns the pressure sensing port 42 with the
chamber 34. The operator may pump fuel into the fuel tank 22 until the
open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16 becomes covered with fuel, thereby
activating the automatic shut-off system. If the operator desires to pump
additional fuel into the fuel tank 22, the operator exerts force on the
fuel pump nozzle 28 to compress the resilient member 62 thereby aligning
the pressure sensing port 42 with the second chamber 50. When the
resilient member 62 is compressed, the rim 26 provides rigid support for
the resilient member 62. The operator may then pump additional fuel into
the fuel tank 22 until the second open end 56 of the second vacuum tube
52 is covered by fuel, thereby activating the automatic shut-off system.

[0052]It should be appreciated that the pressure sensing port 42 may be
selectively aligned with the chamber 34 and the second chamber 50 in any
way without departing from the nature of the present invention. For
example, the chamber 34 and the second chamber 50 may be configured such
that the fuel pump nozzle 28 may be rotated relative to the receiver 18
to align the pressure sensing port 42 with the chamber 34 or the second
chamber 50. In such a configuration, the receiver 18 or the deck fitting
19 may include visual indicators to aid the operator of the fuel pump
nozzle 28 to determine if the pressure sensing port 42 is aligned with
the chamber 34 or the second chamber 50. The receiver 18 or the deck
fitting 19 may include a rotational stop that enables the operator of the
fuel pump nozzle 28 to feel through the fuel pump nozzle 28 whether the
pressure sensing port 42 is aligned with the chamber 34 or the second
chamber 50. It should also be appreciated that in such an embodiment, the
fuel pump nozzle 28 may rotate relative to the receiver 18, or
alternatively, the receiver 18 and the fuel pump nozzle 28 may rotate
together relative to the deck fitting 19. Alternatively, the receiver 18
may rotate relative to the deck fitting 19.

[0053]As shown in FIG. 10, another embodiment includes a maximum-capacity
filler tube assembly 81 and a below-capacity filler tube assembly 82. The
maximum-capacity filler tube assembly 81 includes a vacuum sensing tube
16 with the open end 27 that is located such that the automatic shut-off
system is activated when the fuel tank 22 is full, thereby eliminating
any room for thermal expansion. The below-capacity filler tube assembly
82 includes a vacuum sensing tube 16 with the open end 27 that is located
such that the automatic shut-off system is activated before the fuel tank
22 is full, thereby leaving excess volume for thermal expansion. The
maximum-capacity filler tube assembly 81 may used, for example, when the
fuel tank is being filled immediately prior to fuel consumption in
anticipation that the fuel will be consumed before it thermally expands.
The below-capacity filler tube assembly 82 may used, for example, when
immediate fuel consumption is not anticipated and the excess volume
accommodates for thermal expansion of the fuel.

[0054]The receiver 18 may be formed from metal and the seal 29 may be
formed from an elastomer. For example, the receiver 18 may be formed from
stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or copper. Alternatively, the receiver
18 may be formed from materials such as nylon. Further, the receiver 18
is formed from conductive material such that static electricity is
discharged through the fill neck 12 to the deck fitting 19, which is
grounded.

[0055]As shown in FIGS. 2-9, the receiver 18 may include a projection 20
and the filler tube assembly 12 may include an auxiliary fuel hose 14
coupled to the projection 20. In such a configuration, the auxiliary fuel
hose 14 extends within the fuel hose 13. Specifically, the auxiliary fuel
hose 14 extends from the projection 20 through the fuel hose 13 toward or
into the fuel tank 22.

[0056]As seen in FIG. 4, the auxiliary fuel hose 14 may extend along a
portion of the fuel hose 13 such that the fuel is pumped into the
receiver 18, through the auxiliary fuel hose 14, into the fuel hose 13,
and into the fuel tank 22. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the
auxiliary fuel hose 14 may extend further than the length of the fuel
hose 13 and into the fuel tank 22 such that fuel is pumped into the
receiver 18, through the auxiliary fuel hose 14, and into the fuel tank
22. The diameter of the auxiliary fuel hose 14 is generally equal to the
diameter of the fuel pump nozzle 28. Because the diameter of the
auxiliary fuel hose 14 is generally equal to the diameter of the fuel
pump nozzle 28, the fuel pumped from the fuel pump nozzle 28 is pumped
into the auxiliary fuel hose 14 without trapping and without forcing air
along with the fuel into the auxiliary fuel hose 14. The absence of
trapped air allows for a laminar flow of the fuel through the auxiliary
fuel hose 14 and eliminates belching that may be caused by trapped air.
More specifically, if air becomes trapped with the fuel, the air will
build up in the fuel hose, most likely at a bend in the fuel hose. When
enough air is trapped in the fuel hose, the air belches out of the
receiver 18 and may splash fuel out of the receiver 18. Additionally, the
auxiliary fuel hose 14 increases the rate at which fuel may be pumped
into a fuel hose 13 that has a contorted shape thereby decreasing the
time to fill the fuel tank 22.

[0057]As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vacuum tube 16 may be disposed within
the fuel hose 13. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the vacuum tube 16
may be disposed outside of the fuel hose 13 and extend from the nipple 38
into the fuel tank 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, if the vacuum tube 16
is disposed within the fuel hose 13, the open end 27 of the vacuum tube
16 is preferably located such that it does not extend beyond the
auxiliary fuel hose 14 to prevent splashing fuel inside the fuel tank 22
or splashing fuel from the auxiliary fuel hose 14 from contacting the
open end 27 and activating the automatic fuel shut-off system on the fuel
pump nozzle 28.

[0058]The predetermined vertical position of the open end 27 of the vacuum
tube 16 is such that when fuel in the fuel tank 22 reaches a desired
level, the fuel level reaches the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 the predetermined vertical position of
the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16 may be such that the fuel level
does not reach a vent tube 44 of the fuel tank 22. Additionally, as shown
in FIG. 5, the predetermined vertical position of the open end 27 may be
such that the fuel tank 22 is filled with fuel before the automatic fuel
shut-off system on the fuel pump nozzle 28 is activated. Alternatively,
as shown in FIG. 3, the predetermined vertical position of the open end
27 may be such that the fuel does not fill the fuel tank 22, thus leaving
excess volume to accommodate, for example, for thermal expansion of the
fuel. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the vent tube 44 includes a
carbon canister, the predetermined vertical position of the open end 27
may be such that the automatic fuel shut-off system is activated before
fuel rises into contact with the carbon canister.

[0059]Due to packaging constraints and other constraints, the fuel tank 22
may receive the fuel fill hose 12 on a side of the fuel tank 22. For such
a configuration, the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16 may be fixed in a
specified position in the fuel tank 22 such that the automatic fuel
shut-off system is activated when the fuel reaches a specified level in
the tank.

[0060]As shown in FIG. 11, in another embodiment the receiver 18 is formed
from a flexible material. The seals 30, 32 are formed from the flexible
material. When the fuel pump nozzle 28 is inserted in the receiver 18,
the rim 26 positions the fuel pump nozzle 28 and each seal 30, 32 creates
an air-tight seal around the fuel pump nozzle 28 thus creating the
chamber 34. The orifice 23 connects to the chamber 34, which connects to
the vacuum tube 16.

[0061]In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the filler tube assembly
12 may be portable. In other words, the filler tube assembly 12, may be
separate from the fuel tank 22 and may attached to a fuel pump nozzle 28
for insertion into the deck fitting along with the fuel pump nozzle 28.
The fuel pump nozzle 28 may be inserted into the receiver 18 and the
receiver 18 may be attached to the fuel pump nozzle 28 to attach the
filler tube assembly 12 to the fuel pump nozzle 28. In such an
embodiment, the filler tube assembly 12 may be permanently or removably
attached to the fuel pump nozzle 28. The filler tube assembly 12 is then
inserted into the fuel hose 13 such that fuel may be pumped through the
filler tube assembly 12 and into the fuel hose 13. Preferably, as shown
in FIG. 6, the auxiliary fuel hose 14 and the vacuum tube 16 are
connected. As shown in FIG. 6, a protective cover (not shown) may
surround the auxiliary fuel hose 14 and the vacuum tube 16 to protect the
auxiliary fuel hose 14 and the vacuum tube 16 and to aid the insertion of
the filler tube assembly 12 into the deck fitting and the fuel hose 13.
The filler tube assembly 12 that is attached to the fuel pump nozzle 28
may extend from the nozzle 28 through the fuel hose 13 into the fuel tank
22 or may extend from the nozzle 28 partially through the fuel hose 13.
When the filler tube assembly 12 shown in FIG. 10 is attached to the fuel
pump nozzle 28, when the nozzle 28 is removed from the fuel hose 13 when
fueling is completed, the filler tube assembly 12 is removed along with
the nozzle 28.

[0062]As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the filler tube assembly 12 can include a
control unit 64 in communication with the orifice 23 of the receiver 18.
The control unit 64 can selectively activate the automatic shut-off
system of the fuel pump nozzle 28 independently of the fuel level
relative to the vacuum tube 16. Specifically, the control unit 64 senses
the fuel level in the fuel tank 22 and selectively activates the
automatic shut-off system by interrupting communication between the
orifice 23 and the chamber 34. The filler tube assembly 12 can include
the control unit 64 as an alternative to the vacuum tube 16 or in
addition to the vacuum tube 16 to selectively activate the automatic
shut-off system of the fuel pump nozzle 28.

[0063]The control unit 64 typically includes a valve 66 in fluid
communication with the chamber 34 through the orifice 23, an actuator 68
in communication with the valve 66 to actuate, i.e., open and close, the
valve 66, and a level sensor 70 in communication with the actuator 68.
When the valve 66 is open, air can flow through the orifice 23 to the
chamber 34. When the valve 66 is closed, the valve 66 blocks air flow
through the orifice 23 to the chamber 34 to activate the automatic
shut-off system. The valve 66 is open under normal conditions and when
the level sensor 70 senses that the fuel level as at a predetermined
level, the level sensor 70 causes the actuator 68 to close the valve 66.
It should be appreciated that the level sensor 70 could be in direct
communication with the actuator 68 to actuate the valve 66 or,
alternatively, the filler tube assembly 12 could include a controller
(not shown) in communication with the actuator 68 and the level sensor 70
to control the actuator 68. It should be appreciated that the level
sensor 70 can be in communication with the actuator 68 or the controller
either by wired connection, radiofrequency, or any other type of
communication.

[0064]The fuel level sensor 70 can alternatively be in communication, for
example, wirelessly, electronically, etc., directly with either the fuel
pump nozzle 28 and/or the fuel pump 15 to stop the flow of fuel from the
fuel pump 15 when the desired fuel level is reached. In other words, when
the fuel level sensor 70 senses that the fuel level is at a predetermined
level, the level sensor 70 instructs the fuel pump nozzle 28 or the fuel
pump 15 to stop the flow of fuel.

[0065]The valve 66 can be any type of valve for interrupting communication
between the orifice 23 and the chamber 34. For example, the valve 66 can
be of the type commonly referred to as a shut-off valve. As shown in FIG.
12, the valve 66 can be disposed in the receiver 18. Alternatively, as
shown in FIG. 14, the valve 66 can be disposed in the vacuum tube 16. It
should be appreciated that the valve 66 can be disposed anywhere such
that the valve 66 can interrupt communication between the orifice 23 and
the chamber 34. The actuator 68 can be of any type and for example, could
be a solenoid.

[0066]The level sensor 70 can be of any type without departing from the
nature of the present invention. For example, the level sensor 70 could
ultrasonically measure the fuel level. In such a configuration, the level
sensor 70 is typically mounted to the fuel tank 22 above the fuel. The
level sensor 70 sends an ultrasonic signal toward the fuel and measures
the time for the ultrasonic signal to reach the fuel, reflect off the
fuel, and return to the level sensor 70 to determine the fuel level. One
such ultrasonic level sensor 70 is the type commercially available from
SSI Technologies Inc., of Janesville, Wis., U.S.A. under the tradenames
Fluid-Trac® and Acu-Trac®. However, it should be appreciated that
the ultrasonic level sensor 70 is set forth above is for exemplary
purposes and the level sensor 70 can be of any type. For example, the
level sensor could include a sensor (not shown) and a float (not shown)
connected to the sensor by an arm. In such a configuration, the float
floats on the surface of the fuel and the sensor determines the fuel
level by the rotational position of the arm relative to the sensor.

[0067]When the filler tube assembly 12 includes the control unit 64 in
addition to the vacuum tube 16, control unit 64 can be used as a primary
source for activating the automatic shut-off system. In such a
configuration, the vacuum tube 16 can be used as a secondary source for
activating the automatic shut-off system in case the control unit 64
malfunctions. In other words, if for some reason the control unit 64 does
not properly activate the automatic shut-off system, i.e., during an
electrical malfunction, the automatic shut-off system will be activated
when the fuel level reaches the open end 27 of the vacuum tube 16, as set
forth above.

[0068]When the filler tube assembly 12 includes the control unit 64 as an
alternative to the vacuum tube 16, filler tube assembly 12 need not
include the vacuum tube 16. In such a configuration, the orifice 23 of
the control unit 64 need not be in fluid communication with the fuel tank
22 but can instead be in fluid communication with atmospheric pressures
when the valve 66 is open.

[0069]The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it
is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended
to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are
possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.